The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) has called on government and Parliament to urgently establish a national emergency relief and public health fund.

This, according to a statement signed by its president, Dr Samuel Kow Donkoh explained that the “fund will serve as a sustainable means of support for not only the victims of this current disaster but also for those who may face similar challenges in the future.”

They also proposed that the existing COVID-19 Fund be considered the initial seed and a component of the proposed National Emergency Relief and Public Health Fund to create a stable foundation to support any future disaster or public health emergency.

According to PSGH, “It is crucial that this fund remain separate from the consolidated fund and is not subject to any capping.”

“We also encourage a coordinated effort to solicit funds from individuals and corporate entities to augment the financial resources of the fund,” the statement added.

The release dated October 17 follows thousands of residents in nine districts across the Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions who have lost their belongings and homes to the flood resulting from the ongoing spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana sympathised with the victims of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams spillage.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of this disaster, and we stand in unwavering solidarity with them during this challenging time,” they stated.

As a way of showing solidarity with the victims, PSGH noted that it has been actively collaborating with healthcare professionals, health directorates, and relevant institutions involved in relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

They are undertaking the following measures:

Healthcare Collaboration: We are working in close coordination with healthcare professionals and the health directorate to ensure that the victims receive the essential healthcare they need.

Medicine and Health Product Support: We are actively reaching out to our members and pharmaceutical companies to secure necessary medicines and health products to complement the ongoing relief efforts.

Provision of Relief Essentials: In addition to medical support, we are providing relief items such as bedding, drinking water, toiletries, detergents, and groceries. These essential items will be distributed through established official channels to benefit the victims.